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All of a Sudden: The Role of Ἐξαίφνης in Plato's Dialogues

There are thirty-six appearances of the Greek word ἐξαίφνης in Plato’s dialogues. Usually translated as “all of a sudden” or “suddenly,” ἐξαίφνης emerges in several significant passages. For example, ἐξαίφνης appears three times in the “allegory of the cave” from Republic vii, and heralds the vision of the Beautiful in Symposium. Commonly translated in the Parmenides as “the instant,” ἐξαίφνης also surfaces in a crucial section of the dialogue’s training exercise. This dissertation demonstrates the connection obtaining between the thirty-six scattered appearances of ἐξαίφνης in order to reveal the role it plays in linking Plato’s theory of ideas with education. In short, it discloses how Plato’s step-by-step, methodical approach to philosophical education climaxes with a dynamic conversion experience signified by the appearance of ἐξαίφνης. / McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts; / Philosophy / PhD; / Dissertation;

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:DUQUESNE/oai:digital.library.duq.edu:etd/197216
Date22 October 2016
CreatorsCimakasky, Joseph J.
ContributorsRonald Polansky, Patrick Miller, John McGinley
Source SetsDuquesne University
Detected LanguageEnglish
RightsWorldwide Access;

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